In this episode of Stories of Safety, we speak with Dr Jo Wailling, a leading expert on healthcare harm, to unpack one of the most complex and challenging concepts in patient safety.

Jo reflects on what we really mean when we talk about “harm” in healthcare—how it's defined, experienced, and responded to by both professionals and patients. We delve into the emotional and systemic dimensions of harm, and the importance of moving beyond blame to foster learning, accountability, and healing.

This episode invites listeners to reflect on how we acknowledge and address harm in a way that supports those affected and drives genuine improvement across healthcare systems.

A powerful conversation about one of the most human aspects of safety in care.

 In this episode of Stories of Safety, we sit down with Professor Charles Vincent, one of the world’s leading experts in patient safety, to explore how the field has evolved and where it’s headed next.

 Drawing on decades of research and experience, Vincent reflects on the fundamental challenges of measuring and improving safety in complex healthcare systems. 

We discuss the shift from simply preventing harm to building resilience in healthcare, the role of culture and leadership, and why listening to both staff and patients is crucial for meaningful change. Vincent also shares insights from his groundbreaking work on safety strategies, risk management, and the future of patient-centred care.

In this episode of Stories of Safety, we sit down with Shaun Lintern, Health Editor of The Sunday Times, to explore the vital role of investigative journalism in uncovering systemic failures in healthcare.

 Lintern shares his journey as a journalist, the ethical challenges of reporting sensitive

stories, and the impact journalism can have on public perception and policy. We take a deep dive into his pivotal role in exposing the Mid Staffordshire NHS Trust scandal,

the importance of listening to patient and family experiences, and the lessons learned from the public inquiry that followed. Lintern also reflects on the sodium valproate scandal, drawing parallels to past medical failures and the ongoing fight for justice.

Beyond investigations, we discuss the delicate balance between holding healthcare institutions accountable and recognising the dedication of frontline professionals. Lintern highlights the need for greater transparency in healthcare reporting and the challenges journalists face in accessing information.